Product Review: InCase ICON Pack

What Is it: The InCase ICON Pack, a backpack for all your gadgets.

Price and Where to Buy: $199.95 on InCase’s website.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design features like padded shoulder straps, a compression molded back panel, and a sternum strap save your back while lugging your stuff.
• Padded faux-fur pockets protect your electronics.
• So many pockets! Different sized pockets hold everything big (up to a 15″ laptop) and small (smartphones.)
• Pockets within pockets keep everything organized (there’s compartments for pens, business cards, folders, etc.)
• Hip-side pocket features an integrated cable port so that you can plug in your headphones or charge your device without taking it out of the ICON pack.
• Side-zip pocket offers easy access to your iPad.
• Holds a ton of stuff—the backpack is 19.3″ x 12.8″ x 8.7″

Cons:

• At 2.7 lbs empty, the bag will add a little extra weight to your back.
• Easy-access pockets are great for you, but also great for pickpockets who are after your electronics.
• The faux-fur padded lining in some pockets protects your gadgets but can get grimy and is tough to clean.

How it Rates:

• Usefulness: 9/10. The ICON Pack will keep you super organized on the road, no matter how many electronics you need to bring. Keep your laptop, smartphone, and tablet protected and easy-to-access—a great feature when you need to take them all out in the security line.
• Portability: 8/10. The bag is a little heavy at 2.7 lbs, but it does haul all of your stuff in a compact and easy way. Plus, you could probably fit this under your airplane seat, so it makes a great carry-on.
• Value: 6/10. At just under $200, this backpack isn’t cheap. But if you think of it as a backpack, laptop case, organizer, tablet case, and carry-on, it’s not so bad.
• Cool Factor: 9/10. Tech bags can look pretty nerdy. But the ICON Pack is actually really sleek. It doesn’t look too different from a regular backpack, and we like the steel grey color. (It also comes in basic black and red.)

Final Verdict: Does your carry-on usually look like a computer store exploded in it? If you can’t be parted from your laptop, tablet, and smartphone while on the road, the ICON Pack is a great way to protect, organize, and haul all of your gadgets.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

(Photo: InCase)